2026 FIFA World Cup fuels debate over Dutch and Belgian prospects
Dutch forward Justin Kluivert, who debuted for the national team at 18, says his long‑awaited World Cup debut is finally within reach after recovering from a knee injury. Playing for Bournemouth, he impressed coach Ronald Koeman and added, "Als je een beetje uit beeld raakt, is het lastig terugkomen. Ook al wist ik dat ik erbij hoorde. Ik vrat mezelf soms op. Gelukkig gaat het er nu toch van komen."
Former player and analyst Johan Boskamp, speaking ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, expressed greater confidence in Belgium than in the Netherlands. He highlighted Belgium’s 2‑0 win over Croatia and Romelu Lukaku’s immediate impact, stating, "Op dit moment heb ik eerlijk gezegd meer vertrouwen in België dan in Nederland." Boskamp still sees France and Spain as the top favourites and warns that Portugal remains a dangerous outsider.